Liner for orthopedic or prosthetic device

ABSTRACT

A liner for an orthopedic or prosthetic device includes a core formed from a porous and compressible material, a first layer secured to the first side of the core and forming a first surface to the liner, and a second layer secured to the second side of the core and forming a second surface to the liner. The first and second layers may comprise different properties from one another and be formed from different materials including fabrics and polymeric materials. A polymeric film may be secured to the core or one of the layers to define at least part of a surface of the liner.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to a liner for orthopedic or prosthetic devices,and to a liner structure including a core formed from a porous andcompressible material, a breathable first layer and a second layerformed from a polymeric emulsion having vapor permeability and improvedfrictional characteristics.

BACKGROUND

Liners including vapor permeability and frictional characteristics existfor orthopedic and prosthetic devices and serve as a padded interfacebetween an orthopedic or prosthetic device and skin of a user. Whilethese liners exist, many must compromise vapor permeability andfrictional characteristics due to the limitations of materials involved.These solutions must balance the costs of materials used, theircharacteristics, and the processes employed for making the liners. Fewsolutions have been able to produce a liner that is low-cost, simple tomanufacture, and possesses suitable characteristics includingbreathability, compressibility or padding, and desirable frictionalproperties.

SUMMARY

The liner embodiments described may be used in a variety of prostheticor orthopedic applications. The liner embodiments may also be providedwith no relationship to a particular prosthetic or orthopedic device,and used in a variety of applications where frictional control,breathability, compression or padding is required or desired.

An embodiment of the liner preferably includes a compressible core and asecond layer formed by a polymeric or polyurethane emulsion. The corepossesses greater rigidity than the second layer, and both the core andsecond layer enable a transfer of air and vapor through their combinedthickness. Both the core and the second layer are compressible, and thesecond layer preferably has enhanced frictional properties to inhibitsliding against a user's skin when sweat is present. The second layerhas a fine porous structure enabling vapor transmission, while alsohaving a compressible thickness for providing padding.

In variations of the compressible core, additional layers of foam orsimilar compressible materials may be used having different rigiditiesso the liner can be tailored over its length to different levels ofcompressibility depending on its intended application.

A first layer, such as a hook-receivable material, may be secured to afirst surface of the core on a side opposite to a second side of thecore with the second layer. The first layer may extend over the entirefirst surface of the core and may be laminated to the core or otherwiseadhered to the core to prevent separation therefrom.

Variations of the second layer may include a plurality of aperturesbesides the inherent porous structure of the second layer. The pluralityof apertures further enhances the breathability of the liner and may bein discrete locations where enhanced breathability is required or mayextend over the entire core. The apertures may be formed in a patternindependent of any cell structure or porosity of the core.

The second layer may be formed with varying thicknesses depending onareas requiring greater padding or rigidity as the second layer itselfhas compressible properties. The different thicknesses may be formed bymolding to create different thickness regions, or the second layer maycomprise different layers at particular areas to obtain the differentthicknesses. The second layer may include areas having different densityproperties relative to other areas, either with greater or reducedporosity.

A surface of the second layer forms an outer surface of the liner, andmay be adapted to desirable frictional properties. The polyurethaneemulsion may be modified to have inherent frictional properties suitablefor preventing migration along the skin of a user when force is appliedregardless of sweat or other skin conditions.

In a variation, the outer surface of the second layer may include asurface pattern that improves friction and breathability of the linerand particularly the second layer. The second layer may include apattern comprising a plurality of protrusions that space portions of thesecond layer from the skin of the user, and create air channels betweenthe areas of the second layer without the protrusions and the skin ofthe user. The protrusions may be arranged to modify the frictionalcharacteristics of the second layer in supplement to the inherentfrictional properties of the polyurethane emulsion,

The core may be open-cell foam having a plurality of random pores andcells along the surface thereof, and the second layer inherently hasrandom and substantially small pores located through its thicknessirrespective of the pores and cells of the core. The foam of the coreand the second layer may comprise a cellular structure that allows themto compress and recover in response to loading or applying the lineronto the anatomy of the user.

A mesh layer may be provided as an interface between the core and thesecond layer. The mesh layer defines a surface pattern including aplurality of apertures extending through a thickness of the mesh layer.The second layer impregnates the plurality of apertures and extendsthrough at least part of or through the entire thickness of the meshlayer. The surface pattern of the mesh layer can form various channelsor recesses that extend only into a partial thickness of the mesh layersuch that the second layer extends into the channels or recesses tointerlock with the mesh layer. The mesh layer may prevent the secondlayer from occluding or damaging the foam layer of the core.

The mesh layer is preferably laminated or adhered to the foam layer ofthe core. The mesh layer is desirably porous and may be substantiallymore porous than the second layer to avoid inhibiting breathability ofthe liner. The mesh layer may be substantially thinner than the secondlayer and the core, and may be formed by a sleeve constructed of afabric including spandex, lycra, nylon, polyester, microfiber,three-dimensional fabrics, and/or other suitable fabrics.

A third layer may be provided as an interface between the core and themesh layer. The third layer is substantially thin and is laminated toboth the core and the mesh layer.

According to an embodiment, the liner defines a peripheral edge portiondefined as a substantially thinned region compared to regions of theliner outside the peripheral edge portion. The peripheral edge portionmay be defined as a compressed structure including at least the secondlayer and the core. Any mesh layer or fabric layers may lack anysignificant ability to be compressed. The compressed peripheral edgeportion may be provided to improve strength of the liner along its edgesand channel any vapor transmission through regions bounded by theperipheral edge portion. The peripheral edge portion may include acrimped profile or other various profiles that can be molded throughcompression of at least the second layer.

A thickness of the liner may vary at least near the peripheral edgeportion, and various thicknesses may exist at other desirable locations.The core and various layers of the liner may be formed to variousprofiles to accommodate corresponding profiles of orthopedic andprosthetic devices.

The liner may have a film layer located and defined along an outersurface of the liner. The film layer may be a polyurethane film having asubstantially smooth surface and defined by a plurality of colors andtextures selected by a user. The film layer is preferably porous and isbreathable. The film layer may be thermoformed to the core and cut intoa shape configured to fit the portion where the film color and textureis required. The film layer covers only part of the surface of the linerand islands or portions are provided along the surface of the liner.

Other methods, embodiments, and variations thereof are described ingreater detail in the following discussion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become readily apparent and better understood in view ofthe following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a liner according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-section view of an embodiment of the liner.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-section view of another embodiment of theliner.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the mesh layer of FIG. 3 impregnated withmaterial from a second layer.

FIG. 5A is a detail view of section V in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the detail view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a sectional elevational view of section VI in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liner structure.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a liner having a variation of the structure inFIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a liner according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an orthopedic device arranged forreceiving liners.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the orthopedic device of FIG. 11including liners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

A better understanding of different embodiments of the invention may behad from the following description read with the accompanying drawingsin which like reference characters refer to like elements.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments are shown inthe drawings and will be described below. It should be understood,however, there is no intention to limit the disclosure to theembodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to coverall modifications, alternative constructions, combinations, andequivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure anddefined by the appended claims.

It will be understood that, unless a term is defined in this patent topossess a described meaning, there is no intent to limit the meaning ofsuch term, either expressly or indirectly, beyond its plain or ordinarymeaning.

Referring to the liner embodiment of FIG. 1 , the liner 10 defines aprofile 12 generally corresponding to a shape of an orthopedic orprosthetic device (not shown). The liner 10 has a side formed by asecond layer 14 preferably comprising a polyurethane emulsion. Thesecond layer 14 may form a surface texture 16 molded or created fromprotrusions of the material forming the second layer 14, as shown inmore detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross-section of an embodiment of thestructure of the liner 10. The liner 10 includes a core 26 formed from aporous and compressible material, such as open celled polyurethane foam.The core 26 has first and second sides, with a first layer 24 secured tothe first side of the core 26, and a second layer 14 connected to thesecond side of the core 26. The first layer 24 may be brushed polyesterthat is a hook receivable material, as in a hook and loop fastenersystem. The second layer 14 is preferably formed from a polymericemulsion such that the liner 10 permits a transfer of air and vaporthrough the first layer 24, the core 26, and the second layer 14.

The core 26 may possess greater rigidity than the second layer 14, andboth the core 26 and second layer 14 enable a transfer of air and vaporthrough their combined thickness. The core 26 and the second layer 14are compressible and the second layer 14 has enhanced frictionalproperties such as frictional resistance to forces, that may, forexample, inhibit sliding against a user's skin when sweat is present.The second layer 14 has a fine porous structure enabling vaportransmission, while having a compressible thickness providing a layer ofpadding in supplement to the padding of the core 26.

In variations of the core 26, additional layers of foam (or similarcompressible materials) may be used having different rigidities so theliner 10 can be tailored over its length to different levels ofcompressibility depending on its intended application. The core 26 maybe open-cell foam having a plurality of random pores along the surfacethereof, and the second layer also has random pores located through itsthickness irrespective of the pores of the core 26. The foam of the core26 and the second layer 14 may have a cellular structure that allowsthem to compress and recover in response to loading or applying theliner 10 onto anatomy of the user.

The first layer 24 may extend over the entire first side of the core 26and be laminated to the core 26 or otherwise adhered to the core 26 toprevent separation therefrom. The first layer 24 advantageously cansecure to hook material on the corresponding orthopedic or prostheticdevice, inhibiting sliding or migration of the liner 10 relative to thedevice.

Variations of the second layer 14 may include a plurality of aperturesbesides the inherent porous structure of the second layer 14. Theplurality of apertures enhances breathability of the liner 10 and may bein discrete locations where enhanced breathability is required, or theymay extend over the entire second side of the core 26. The plurality ofapertures may be formed in a pattern and independently of any cellstructure or porosity of the core 26.

A surface of the second layer 14 forms an outer surface of the liner 10,and may be adapted to possess desirable frictional properties. Thepolyurethane emulsion may be modified to have inherent frictionalproperties suitable for preventing migration along skin of a user whenforce is applied.

Examples of the polyurethane emulsion forming the second layer 14 aredescribed in at least U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,684, granted May 24, 1988, andU.S. Pat. No. 5,798,165, granted Aug. 25, 1998, and incorporated byreference herein.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of liner 100 including different layersto those of the liner 10 of FIG. 2 . It will be understood that neitherthe liner 10 nor the liner 100 must include each of the layers describedin connection thereof, but various modifications may be made accordingto the layers discussed herein. The liner 100 may include a second layer114 secured to a mesh layer 130. The mesh layer 130 is between the core122 and the second layer 114, and a third layer 132 may be between thecore 122 and the mesh layer 130. As in the liner 10, the liner 100includes a first layer 124 forming an opposed surface to the surfacedefined by the second layer 114.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the mesh layer 130 has a plurality of spacedapertures 134 arranged in a pattern. The second layer 114 may haveportions 144 impregnating and interlocking the spaced apertures 134 ofthe mesh layer 130. The portions 144 extend into the spaced apertures134 through at least a portion of the thickness of the mesh layer 130,and preferably extend the entire thickness of the mesh layer 130. Themesh layer 130 may also define a plurality of channels or recesses 138formed along a surface 136 of the mesh layer 130 into which material ofthe second layer 114 may extend. The channels or recesses 138 preferablyonly extend within a portion of the mesh layer 130 thickness.

The second layer 114 may be formed with varying thicknesses 140corresponding to areas requiring greater padding or rigidity as thesecond layer 114 itself has compressible properties. The thicknesses 140may vary relative to a baseline 142 defined in FIG. 3 as the maximumthickness. The thicknesses 140 are preferably arranged in apredetermined manner and are distinguished over random variations ofthickness due to production methods.

The different thicknesses 140 may be formed by molding at designatedlocations or the second layer 114 may comprise different layers atparticular areas to obtain the different thicknesses 140. The secondlayer 114 includes areas that can have different density propertiesrelative to other areas, either with greater or reduced porosity.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the outer surface of the second layer 14may include a surface pattern 16 that improves friction andbreathability of the liner and particularly the second layer 14. Thesecond layer 14 may include a pattern comprising a plurality ofprotrusions 18 that space portions 20 of the second layer 14 from skinof the user, creating air channels 34 between the areas 20 of the secondlayer 14 without the protrusions and the skin of the user. Theprotrusions 18 may be arranged to modify the frictional characteristicsof the second layer 14 in supplement to the inherent frictionalproperties of the polyurethane emulsion. The protrusions 18 preferablyextend from a minimum or base thickness 32 of the second layer 14, andare formed continuously with the material forming the second layer 14.

FIG. 6 depicts how the liner forms a peripheral edge portion 22 definedas a substantially thinned region compared to regions 36 of the lineroutside the peripheral edge portion 22. The peripheral edge portion 22may be defined as a compressed structure including at least the secondlayer 14 and the core 26. Any mesh layer or fabric layers may possessvarying levels of compressibility or may not be compressible. Theperipheral edge portion 22 is adapted to improve the strength of theliner along its edges and channel any vapor transmission through regionsbounded by the peripheral edge portion. The peripheral edge portion mayinclude a crimped profile 30 or other profiles molded because ofcompression of at least the second layer 14.

A thickness 28 of the liner may vary at least near the peripheral edgeportion 22, and various thicknesses may be at other desirable locations,as shown in FIG. 3 . The core 26 and various layers of the liner may beformed to different profiles to accommodate corresponding profiles oforthopedic and prosthetic devices.

Turning to the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9 , a liner has a structureincluding a film layer on one of the outer surfaces of the liner. FIG. 7shows the basic liner structure 110 having a core 112 formed generallyas in the liner structure of FIG. 2 . The liner structure 110 includes afirst layer 116 likewise as in the liner structure of FIG. 2 and forms afirst outer surface of the liner structure 110. The first layer 116 ispreferably constructed from a hook-receivable or loop material, althoughit is not limited to such a layer type. The structure 110 furtherdefines a film layer 115 located along a second outer surface of theliner, and may have a color contrast from the first layer 116.

The film layer 115 of the liner allows users to customize the colors ofthe liner as a whole. While the fabric layer will probably be black,blue, tan or blue in color, as is customary in orthopedic and prostheticdevices, the film can have many contrasting colors selected by the user,including red, green, orange, blue, silver, gold, etc. Such anarrangement may entice the user to wear the orthopedic or prostheticdevice after having been able to personalize the color of the liner.

The film layer 115 may be a polyurethane film having a substantiallysmooth surface and defined by many colors and textures selected by auser. The film layer is preferably porous and is breathable. Examples ofthe film layer include Bemis OT100, OT260 and OT100RS included andmanufactured by Bemis Associates Inc. of Shirley, Mass.

The film layer may be thermoformed to the core and cut into a shapeconfigured to fit the portion where the film color and texture isrequired. As shown in FIG. 8 , the film layer 115 covers only part ofthe surface of the liner and islands or portions 120, 123, 125 areprovided along the surface of the liner 118.

The portions 120, 123, 125 may include a hook receivable material thatis thermoformed or laminated to the core 112 specifically at thelocation or the portions may merely be exposed portions of the core 112.The hook receivable material of the portions 120, 123, 125 may comprisean intermediate layer 113 that extends over an entirety of a surface ofthe core 112.

The structure of FIG. 7 may be modified such that the hook receivablematerial is located over the entirety of a second surface of the core112 and the film layer 115 extends thereover with the hook receivablematerial between the core 112 and the film layer 115. Alternatively, theintermediate layer 113 may be sub-divided into discrete portions onlysecured to the core 112 at the areas where the film layer 115 is cut-outto form an opening 121 defining the periphery to the islands or portions120, 123, 125, only being within the peripheral bounds defined by thefilm layer 115. If the portions 120, 123, 125 include hook receivablematerial, they may secure to hook material to engage other features tothe liner. The portions 120, 123, 125 may be flush with the film, or maybe recessed or raised relative to the film.

The film layer 115 may have a variety of surface textures including asmooth surface, bumps, leather-like texture or grain, dimples, openingsor any other suitable surface texture. The surface textures may bearranged to provide enhanced friction against a user's anatomy. The filmlayer 115 is advantageous in that it may be substantially thin having anexemplary gauge of 0.075 mm, with a range of 0.050 mm to 0.5 mm, and anominal weight of 90 g/m{circumflex over ( )}2. The film layer 115 isbonded and or laminated to the core 112 and can be bonded and/or pressedto conform to the shape of the core 112, as depicted in FIG. 8 in theliner 118.

FIG. 9 shows the relation of the film layer 115 to the core 112 in thatthe film layer 115 is substantially thinner than the core 112, althoughit should be understood the core 112 is not limited to the thicknessdepicted but can take any thickness desired by a user. The pliability ofthe film layer 115 enables conforming to the core 112 so as not toimpede the function of the liner while enabling selective color andsurface texture. The intermediate layer 113 is preferably thicker thanthe film layer 115 in part due to the preferable construction such ashaving hook receivable properties. The film layer 115 is substantiallythin in part to conform not only to the core 112 but to anythree-dimensional shape in which the liner is formed (for example,bending to the shape of an orthopedic or prosthetic device).

FIGS. 8 and 9 show how the edges 126 of the liner 118 may be radiofrequency welded to avoid the necessity of stitching or loose edges. Theedges 126 of the liner may be tapered, and due to the welding of atleast the film layer 115, the intermediate layer 113 and the first layer116, are integrally formed in that they are inseparable. The edges 126may form a lip about the periphery of the liner in that the film layer115 and the first layer 116 extend beyond the core 112 and aresubstantially compressed to form the edge and encase the core 112.Alternatively, the core 112 may be included in the lip although it issubstantially compressed.

The liner may be arranged so a film layer is along both outer surfacesof the liner, thereby covering an entirety or part of the first layer.In this arrangement, the liner can be modified to have a distinctiveappearance and selected surface texture according to the film layer.Portions of the first layer may be accessible through the film layerwhile the film layer surrounds at least a part of these portions.

FIG. 10 shows an example wherein the liner 131 has first and secondportions 133, 135 defined along a periphery of the liner 131, and a filmlayer 137extends about at least part of the first and second portions133, 135. This liner 131 may have a thickness greater than the liner inFIGS. 8 and 9 because the liner 131 constitutes a pad for an area of adevice requiring greater cushioning or support. Other features may besimilar as in aforementioned liner embodiments, e.g. edges, etc.

Because the liners described are breathable, various liner embodimentsmay be stacked over one another or used in combination with each other.One of the liners might be attached to one feature of a device, whereasanother liner is attached to a different feature. The different linersmay have different properties such as materials or dimensions for thecore and the outer layers.

FIG. 11 shows an orthopedic brace 141 prior to receiving the liners. Thebrace 141 includes hook material 143 for securing to the first layer ofany of the aforementioned liners or any of the aforementioned portionsin combination with the film layer. FIG. 12 shows how the liner 118extends over an inner portion of the brace and extends over the liner131. The portions 133, 135 of the liner 131 may differ from the outersurface of the liner 118 (i.e., the film layer) according to desiredusage of the liner 131 with the contours of the portions 133, 135accommodating the liner 118.

Other liners may be used having any of the aforementioned features forcovering other components of the brace, including hinges and framecomponents, as shown by pads 145 for the hinges and liners 147, 149 forthe frame components. All of the liners may be made to have the sametype or different types of film layers. All of the liners may have thesame color film layer, such as blue.

It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantagesmay be achieved under any embodiment of the disclosure. Those skilled inthe art will recognize that the liner for an orthopedic or prostheticdevice may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves oroptimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught withoutachieving other objects or advantages as taught or suggested.

The skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of variousdisclosed features. Besides the variations described, other knownequivalents for each feature can be mixed and matched by one of ordinaryskill in this art to construct a liner for an orthopedic or prostheticdevice under principles of the present disclosure. It will be understoodby the skilled artisan that the features described may be adapted toother types of liners. Hence this disclosure and the embodiments andvariations thereof are not limited to orthopedic and prosthetic devices,but can be utilized in any device including a liner.

Although this disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments andexamples of a liner, it therefore will be understood by those skilled inthe art that the present disclosure extends beyond the specificallydisclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses ofthe disclosure and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. It isintended that the present disclosure should not be limited by theparticular disclosed embodiments described above.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A liner for an orthopedic device,comprising: a core formed from a porous and compressible open-celledpolyurethane foam, the core having first and second opposite surfaces; afirst layer formed from an aqueous-based polyurethane emulsion andlocated along the first surface of the core, the aqueous-basedpolyurethane emulsion having frictional properties for preventingmigration along skin of a user when force is applied to the first layer,wherein the first layer has a fine porous structure enabling vaportransmission, while having a resilient compressible thickness; a secondlayer formed from a hook receivable material and has a first surfacelocated directly adjacent to the second surface of the core, the secondlayer extending over an entirety of the core and laminated to the secondsurface of the core, wherein the second layer is a brushed polyesterfabric and is vapor transmissible; wherein the core has greater rigiditythan the first layer, both the core and the first layer are arranged fortransfer of air and vapor through a combined thickness.
 2. The liner ofclaim 1, wherein the core and the first layer are compressible.
 3. Theliner of claim 1, wherein the core has a first plurality of randomlydisplaced pores along the first surface thereof, the first layer islocated directly adjacent to the first surface of the core and has asecond plurality of randomly displaced pores located through itsthickness irrespective of the first plurality of randomly displacedpores of the core.
 4. The liner of claim 1, wherein the core has acellular structure permitting compression due to a load from a firstconfiguration to a second configuration, and recovery to the firstconfiguration in response to release of the load.
 5. The liner of claim4, wherein the first layer has a cellular structure permittingcompression due to the load from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration, and recovery to the first configuration in response torelease of the load.
 6. The liner of claim 4, further comprising apolymeric film extending over a second surface of the second layeropposite the first surface of the second layer.
 7. The liner of claim 6,wherein the polymeric film has a gauge in the range of 0.050 to 0.5 mm,and weight of about 90 g/m∧2.
 8. The liner of claim 6, wherein thepolymeric film is a porous and breathable polyurethane film.
 9. Theliner of claim 6, wherein the core is substantially thicker than thesecond layer and the polymeric film.
 10. The liner of claim 1, whereinthe liner defines tapered peripheral edges, the core being substantiallycompressed relative to portions of the core outside of the taperedperipheral edges.
 11. The liner of claim 10, wherein the first layerextends over an entirety of the first surface of the core including atthe tapered peripheral edges.
 12. The liner of claim 11, wherein thetapered peripheral edges are welded and devoid of stitching.
 13. Theliner of claim 11, wherein the first layer is inseparable from the core.14. The liner of claim 1, wherein the liner defines tapered peripheraledges, the core and the second layer being substantially compressedrelative to portions of the core outside of the tapered peripheraledges.
 15. The liner of claim 1, wherein the first layer defines apattern of protrusions extending outwardly therefrom and formedcontinuously with the first layer.
 16. A liner for an orthopedic device,comprising: a core formed from a porous and compressible open-celledpolyurethane foam, the core having first and second surfaces oppositefrom one another; a first layer formed from an aqueous-basedpolyurethane emulsion and located along the first surface of the core,wherein the first layer has a fine porous structure enabling vaportransmission, while having a resilient compressible thickness; whereinthe core has greater rigidity than the first layer, both the core andthe first layer are arranged for transfer of air and vapor through acombined thickness; wherein the core and the first layer arecompressible, the first layer having greater frictional properties thanthe core such as the aqueous-based polyurethane emulsion havingfrictional properties for preventing migration along skin of a user whenforce is applied to the first layer; wherein the first layer defines apattern of protrusions extending outwardly therefrom and formedcontinuously with the first layer; a second layer formed from a hookreceivable material and has a first surface located directly adjacent tothe second surface of the core, the second layer extending over anentirety of the core and laminated to the second surface of the core,wherein the second layer is a brushed polyester fabric and is vaportransmissible.
 17. The liner of claim 16, wherein the liner definestapered peripheral edges, the core being substantially compressedrelative to portions of the core outside of the tapered peripheraledges.
 18. The liner of claim 17, wherein the first layer extends overan entirety of the first surface of the core including at the taperedperipheral edges.